Bill 44: An Act to Amend the Lobbyists’ Registration Act

This bill affects anyone who lobbies New Brunswick provincial government officials on behalf of a paying client (consultant lobbyists) or as part of their job at a company, partnership, or non-profit organization (in-house lobbyists). Whether you run a government relations firm, work in a trade association's policy department, or are a senior officer at a business that regularly engages with provincial decision-makers, you now face stricter registration and monthly reporting requirements — including filing returns within 15 days after each month you have contact with a public office holder. Organizations that employ in-house lobbyists will need their senior officers to manage and submit returns on their behalf. Non-compliance can now result in administrative fines, public naming, or being banned from lobbying for up to two years, making this a meaningful compliance burden for businesses of all sizes that engage in government relations in New Brunswick.